What measures have been put in place to stop it happening in the future?
minamata.jpgThe measures taken to stop the Minamata Disaster from happening again in the future can be grouped into 5 different categories.


1. Research activities- these were taken by an academic institution. National and local governments also managed a fact-finding survey although they couldn’t identify the relationship between the mercury poisoning and Chisso Corporation.


2.
Regulatory, administrative, and legal arrangements


3. Medical treatments for the victims who suffered this disease

4. Improvement of mercury disposal system- Chisso Corporation unwillingly improved the processing system by times. In 1968, the company stopped producing acetaldehyde, which caused the improper disposal of mercury.

5. Environment recovery efforts- the amount of mercury dumped into Minamata Bay were estimated to be 27 tons. Because it feared that the mercury would continue to pollute the marine environment and human health, the Bottom Sludge Programme was launched in 1976. The bottom sludge in Minamata Bay sea-bed was scooped and taken into reclamation located using a pump.

The important measure to stop the dumping of mercury was to close the acetaldehyde plant in 1968.

Introduction to Anna's Minamata Disaster
Anna 8C Minamata Disaster page 2
Anna 8C Minamata Disaster page 3
Anna 8